Theodor Luts

Who was Theodor Luts?

Theodor Luts was an Estonian film director and cinematographer, brother of classic writer Oskar Luts. Theodor Luts was the first major figure of Estonian cinematography

His Noored kotkad is generally regarded as the cornerstone of Estonian cinema. Päikese lapsed, directed by Luts, was the first Estonian full length sound film.

After the Great Depression hit Estonia in the 1930s Theodor Luts produced mostly documentaries for a state subsidized film studio Eesti Kultuurifilm and also had a successful career in Finland. Twenty-four films by Theodor Luts made in Estonia have survived and are hold at the Estonian Film Archives.

Feature films directed by Luts in Finland include Salainen ase and Varjoja Kannaksella.

After World War II and the Soviet occupation of Estonia, Luts emigrated to Brazil where he directed Caraça, Porta do Céu in 1950.